Pet Kangaroos Are Legal in 13 States, Including One in New England
In Australia, kangaroos are only allowed as pets in the state of Victoria, according to A-Z Animals. So, imagine how surprised I was to find out that these exotic wild animals, known for being rough, tough, and quite dangerous, are legal to own in several states across the country.
I mean, it's adorable if you really think about it. Imagine coming home and hanging out with your pet kangaroo, hugging and petting them, or maybe even playing fetch or whatever kangaroos like to do.
So, it's time for that shock to wear off because yes, this native Australian animal is legal to own (with special permits and restrictions) in 13 states, including Maine. Yep, Maine is the only state in New England that allows this. I've attached a map at the bottom of this article.
But how exactly do you go about this? I mean, it's not like you can just adopt a kangaroo down the street. Plus, even though I'd like to think that they're cute and cuddly and just like a huge dog, there are clear differences, especially as they get older.
According to Pet Ponder, it's nearly impossible to house-train kangaroos, and sadly, it may be pretty difficult for them to become best friends with your dog or cat. Most importantly, they need loads of space, so owning a farm or several fenced in acres is the only way to go. Also, their minimum height is six feet tall when they reach adulthood, so Pet Ponder adds that your fencing will need to be higher than four feet, since that's how high they can jump as adults. They can also jump 15 feet forward in one leap, so there's that, too.
If you are interested, there's just simple paperwork to fill out, which you can access right here. Meanwhile if you want to learn more about a kangaroo's diet, healthcare, and temperament as a pet, then click here. Also, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife division should be your ultimate first step when seeking specifics on the process of finding your new family pet.